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After no football was played in front of crowds in Melbourne in 2020, the AFL will kick off the 2021 season with the opening three games at the MCG.
The MCG will host the first three games of the 2021 AFL season, with football set to return in front of crowds in Melbourne for the first time since the 2019 grand final.
Five of the nine round one games will be held in Melbourne, with Richmond and Carlton to kick off the season at the MCG on Thursday, March 18.
At that game, the Tigers are expected to unfurl both their 2019 and 2020 premiership flags.
Western Bulldogs recruit Adam Treloar is poised to make his debut against his former club Collingwood the following night - a game where the Dogs could debut No.1 draft pick Jamarra Ugle-Hagan.
Melbourne will then play Fremantle at the MCG on Saturday afternoon while grand finalists Geelong are set to unveil their bevy of recruits, including Jeremy Cameron, in Adelaide against the Crows.
On Saturday night, Essendon face fierce rivals Hawthorn at Marvel Stadium while Joe Daniher could make his Brisbane debut against Sydney at the Gabba.
David Noble faces a tough start to life as North Melbourne coach with the Kangaroos hosting preliminary finalists Port Adelaide at Marvel Stadium on Sunday.
Greater Wester Sydney will then host St Kilda before West Coast and Gold Coast round out the weekend with their clash at Optus Stadium.
ROUND 1 AFL FIXTURE (ALL TIMES AEDT)
* Thursday, March 18
Richmond v Carlton, MCG, 7.25pm
* Friday, March 19
Collingwood v Western Bulldogs, MCG, 7.50pm
* Saturday, March 20
Melbourne v Fremantle, MCG, 1.45pm
Adelaide v Geelong, Adelaide Oval, 4.35pm
Essendon v Hawthorn, Marvel Stadium, 7.25pm
Brisbane v Sydney, Gabba, 7.15pm
* Sunday, March 21
North Melbourne v Port Adelaide, Marvel Stadium, 1.10pm
Greater Western Sydney v St Kilda, Giants Stadium, 3.20pm
West Coast v Gold Coast, Optus Stadium, 6.10pm